January 31, 2019 – Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. released a new software upgrade for the Sonimage HS1 Ultrasound System that delivers workflow improvements, new imaging capabilities and artificial intelligence-assisted functionality for hands-free operation during interventional procedures. Designed with the musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioner in mind, the HS1 System features advanced functionality to support confident diagnoses and treatment management at the point of care.
Based on artificial intelligence (AI) voice recognition technology, Sonimage HS1 introduces the use of voice controls for hands-free operation. With the ability to control system functions through simple voice commands, clinicians can hold the transducer in one hand and a needle or syringe in the other hand, eliminating the need for an assistant and maintaining the sterile field during procedures. AI-assisted voice recognition technology uses machine learning to analyze data from actual interactions and improve performance and accuracy. The voice control operation also fosters user comfort and proper operator ergonomics while enabling the clinician to focus more on the patient and procedure.
A new panoramic view option delivers both qualitative and quantitative imaging information by enabling the user to stitch together a series of images for a broader view of the patient’s anatomy. By using panoramic view, clinicians can assess large-sized lesions, display an entire abnormality, construct a cross-section image of a structure and examine the relationship of two structures in a single image. Panoramic imaging technology widens the field of view for precise clinical diagnosis, measurement and interventions.
With the new upgrade, Sonimage HS1 now provides the clinician with simplified one-button image optimization. By using the UltraAdjust one-touch image optimization feature, multiple imaging parameters — such as frequency, focus and compounding — can be changed automatically by simply adjusting the depth. The result of these customized settings is exceptional image quality and resolution reliably and repeatedly, according to Konica Minolta, enabling physicians to make a confident diagnosis, provide therapeutic needle guidance and monitor rehabilitation. This feature can also be activated with the new voice control operation.
Konica Minolta Healthcare will demonstrate its new UltraAdjust, Voice Control and Panoramic View HS1 System functionality at Physiatry ’19, the annual meeting of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, Feb. 19-23 in Puerto Rico.
For more information: www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa
March 06, 2026 
